Warriors win opener at Tucker County

The Pocahontas County High School Warriors upended the Tucker County Wildcats in Parsons Friday night, 13-6. The Warriors scored two first half touchdowns and held off a determined Tucker County comeback bid in the second for the win.

Dalton Irvine scooped up a Mountain Lion fumble late in the first quarter and scampered 60 yards for a TD. In the second quarter, sophomore QB Wyatt Workman completed in-stride to senior receiver Stephen Simmons, who dashed for a 40-yard TD, giving the Warriors a 13-0 lead.

The Mountain Lions hit pay dirt in the fourth quarter, after recovering a fumble on the Warrior 15-yard line. Tucker QB Daniel Kisamore scored on a quarterback keeper from five yards out. Following a second Warrior turnover in the fourth quarter and trailing 13-6, the Wildcats had an opportunity to tie the game.

Starting with a fresh set of downs inside Warrior territory, the Wildcats went to the air, because the Warrior defensive line had shut down their running game all night. Kisamore unwisely challenged senior defensive back Cary Robertson, who intercepted the Tucker pass in the end zone.

Robertson would have been better off going down in the end zone, but he saw some daylight and rushed out, only to get tackled on the four. Fortunately, the Warriors were able to make two first downs and run out the clock.

The highlight of the game for the Warriors was the outstanding play by the offensive and defensive lines. Senior Nash Rose, at the center position, heard his name on the PA system several times for making tackles. New line coach Mark Landis should be praised for his efforts.

The schedule only gets tougher for the Warriors. Friday night sees the PCHS squad travel to Moorefield, where the Warriors will challenge the high-flying Yellowjackets in their nest. Moorefield finished 10-2 last season and advanced to the state quarterfinals, where they lost a tough game to Magnolia. The Yellowjacket squad, 52-players strong, is led by talented senior QB Dakota Vetter. Moorefield lost last week to highly-ranked AA Frankfort.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. in Moorefield. Gametime forecast calls for temps in the 70s and no chance of rain.